A federal judge in Tennessee today granted political asylum to the Romeikes, a German Christian homeschooling family from Bissinggen, Germany, who fled persecution in August 2008 seeking political asylum in the United States.

As many of you may know, the German government has been aggressively persecuting Christian homeschoolers using Nazi-era laws. Moreover, the German government has used its power in the EU to create a legal and administrative environment that has become increasingly hostile to homeschooling throughout Europe.

In his decision Judge Burman recognized that homeschooling is a fundamental human right:

“We can’t expect every country to follow our constitution,” said Judge Burman. “The world might be a better place if it did. However, the rights being violated here are basic human rights that no country has a right to violate.”

Burman added, “Homeschoolers are a particular social group that the German government is trying to suppress. This family has a well-founded fear of persecution…therefore, they are eligible for asylum…and the court will grant asylum.”

In addition to its repercussions in Germany and across Europe, Judge Burman’s decision is a blow against the elements of the educational establishment and the political left in the United States that would like to eliminate homeschooling or regulate independent homeschooling out of existence.

As a final word, The Continuing Collapse would like to point out that cases like these are not won in a vacuum. Judge Burman was obviously influenced by the now widespread perception that homeschooling is a legitimate educational alternative. That perception has been created over the years by homeschool parents, by the selfless work of homeschool leaders at the state and local level, by those who have promoted homeschooling throuugh the media (magazines, radio talk show, television, internet, etc.), and by our national organizations such as NHERI. In this particular case, HSLDA was the tip of the spear, and we should all give thanks for the tremendous job it has done in this case. The ultimate glory and thanks, of course, are due to God.

The Harms of Homeschooling?

Where Are the Premises?

by Brian D. Ray, Ph.D.

Context

Data-based research has consistently revealed favorable things related to the modern homeschool movement for about 25 years. Theoretical philosophical research, on the other hand, argues conflicting things about home-educating families and students. For example, professor Robin West recently published a controversial piece entitled “The Harms of Homeschooling”[1] that will be the main subject of this article. To set the stage for this discussion, a very brief summary of research on home education is important.

Repeated studies by many researchers and data provided by United States state departments of education show that home-educated students consistently score, on average, well above the public school average on standardized academic achievement tests.[2] To date, no research has found homeschool students to be doing worse, on average, than their counterparts in state-run schools.

Multiple studies by various researchers have found the home educated to be doing well in terms of their social, emotional, and psychological development.[3] Further, the limited research on the topic to date reveals that adults who were home educated are typically doing well on all measures considered, and they appear to be happy, on average, productive, and civically engaged members of their communities. No research has controverted these two general conclusions.

Finally, regarding empirical studies, this author is not aware of any research that has involved collected data and has shown that the practice of home-based education, homeschool parents, homeschool students, or adults who were home educated are harming, on average, one another, their neighbors, their communities, or their nations.

The purpose of this article is twofold, to show that the “harms of homeschooling” that West alleges basically have no foundation in research evidence and to note that West’s proposal for the state to control homeschool parents and their children is based on a worldview that it antithetical to one held by a significant portion of Americans.

Overview of West’s Article

West, in her piece, attempts to do two things. She begins by asserting that homeschooling that is not regulated more by the state is likely to harm children in several ways. She then moves on, from a particular but unspecified worldview, to propose government law and policies to control private homeschooling so that children and youth are less likely to be harmed. Her basic thesis and most of her ideas are not new. For example, Reich[4] has argued that the state must control home-based education to make sure that the students learn basic knowledge and skills, become psychologically autonomous, are not “ethically servile,” and become decent, civil, and respectful. Similarly, Yuracko[5] argued that the state must increase its control over home education to make sure children and youth are exposed to “liberal values” (p. 10) and to “… check rampant forms of sexism in homeschooling” (p. 11).

Home Education in Canada: A Report on the Pan-Canadian Study on Home Education 2003

LONDON, Ontario, December 3, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A new study released yesterday by the Canadian Centre for Home Education (CCHE) reveals that home-educated adults in Canada excel in all measured areas of adult life,
including education level, religious observance, civic and community participation, life satisfaction, and income.

The study, entitled Fifteen Years Later: Home-Educated Canadian Adults, surveyed adults whose parents had responded to a 1994 study on home education. In total, the researchers collected 226 questionnaires. Ranging in age from 15 to 34, the respondents answered questions on a variety of topics for which Statistics Canada has comparable data from the wider population.

The results were astounding, says CCHE.

The study found that, when measured against the Canadian average, home-educated adults were more socially engaged and almost twice as likely to have voted in a federal election. Their average income was higher, with
more self-reliant sources of income, such as investments and self-employment. In fact, of all respondents, there were no cases of government support as the primary source of income.

The respondents were happier in their work and about their lives in general. They also have more varied recreational pursuits. The study notes, for example, that the respondents “were much more likely than the comparable
population to have read books and attended concerts of classical music or theatrical performances.” Overall, when reflecting on the value of being home-educated, most felt that it was an advantage in their adult life.

“In terms of income, education, entrepreneurial endeavours, involvement in their community, and all the other characteristics measured, home-educated adults not only excel, but also make meaningful contributions to their
communities,” stated Paul Faris, president of CCHE. “They are the type of neighbours we all want.”

You may think western Oregon is always rainy, cloudy, misty, and cold. That thinking is what keeps our southern neighbors away (smile). But, we hit 107 degrees on a Tuesday in July then 108 the next day, and we are headed for 92 today – are we ever glad we do not have a water shortage here in Salem, Oregon! I am not, however, very concerned about physical heat. It will not stop parents from making the best choices they can for their children’s education; that is, their discipleship. Keep in mind, though, there is another form of heat that is placing children and family solidarity at risk.

I am detecting that heat and pressure are building from those who want to be in control of the teaching, training, and indoctrination of your children, rather than you being in charge. Consider four examples.

1. A New Hampshire Court orders Christian homeschooled girl to attend public school. Although excelling in her academic education and being well-rounded in her social skills, the court is reportedly concerned about the strength of her Christian beliefs.[1]

2. Badman report in England: Graham Badman, a former Managing Director of Children, Families and Education in the County of Kent’s, submitted his June 2009 Report to the Secretary of State on the Review of Elective Home Education in England. He proposes draconian changes in English home education law. He claims, on a faulty basis, that homeschooling should be extensively regulated in England. He makes recommendations that government officials be empowered to compel entry into the homes of families engaged in home education and interrogate each child.[2]

3. Professor Robert Kunzman of Indiana University publishes a book, Write These Laws on Your Children: Inside the World of Conservative Christian Homeschooling, in 2009 and argues that all homeschool children should be compelled by the government to take achievement tests (against the will of their parents?).[3]

4. Missouri law controls more homeschoolers. Under a new Missouri law (2009), compulsory attendance now extends to age 17 unless a child has earned 16 high school credits. This affects homeschoolers; it gives the state more control over parents and children.

I was recently flying home from serving as an expert witness in a court case in the Midwest and considering such examples as the above-mentioned. Related to that, I would like to offer you some brief comments on research and its importance. I remember once wondering whether I, as a Christian, was simply trying to selfishly justify or rationalize my participation in research,[4] which I enjoy doing. So I asked a nationally respected man if he could think of any scriptures that related to the concept of research. Although he could not give me the passage citation, I carefully listened to the rendition of the scripture that came to his mind. I searched all kinds of words and phrases but could not find it in the word of God. Months later, I received a letter from a Christian organization and, lo and behold, the following scripture was mentioned:

Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 24:3-6, NKJV).

It was the scripture that the man had tried to quote for me. What is the application? I offer one. You might think that everyone should simply respect your right and authority to direct the education and upbringing of your children because you know this is a clear precept from God. Or you might be a non-Christian classical liberal who believes in a very limited government, and come to the same conclusion. Do not keep dreaming this way. Most judges who govern courts, legislators, professors of education, media reporters, professors of political science, and our culture (both in the United States and in many other nations) are far – very far – from biblical in their thinking and practice.

Facts, figures, and statistics from research that clarify and support biblical concepts and practices are knowledge that increases power for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Research built from right thinking can be an effective tool against wrong thinking and, bluntly put, malevolent attacks against parents and their children.

Along these lines, I am happy to tell you that a new nationwide study that NHERI has conducted, with major support from a well-known homeschool organization, was recently released. I am confident you will be enthused and blessed by the findings of the report. You may visit us www.nheri.org and click on the link at the top of the page to read some of the findings of the research.

If you would like a copy of the full-length research report – in the form of a book –

please be sure to check the box on the enclosed form.

In addition to the new study, following are just a few examples of the many things that NHERI has been able to do for you and families around the world during the past several months:

4/22/09 KHRO Radio of El Paso, Texas interviews Dr. Ray.

4/27/09 Focus on the Family ministry gets research statistics from NHERI.

5/5/09 NHERI helps homeschoolers in Maine with research to help deal with bad proposed legislation.

5/6/09 Dr. Ray observes a homeschool parent and children to prepare for a court case in North Carolina.

5/7/09 WBAL Radio of Baltimore, Maryland interviews Dr. Ray.

6/2/09 The Washington Timesnational newspaper interviews Dr. Ray

5/27/09 Dr. Ray prepares as an expert witness and arrives for a court case in Mojave, California.

6/5-6/09 Dr. and Mrs. Betsy Ray serve as keynote speakers at annual convention of Christian Home Educators of the Fresno Area, California.

6/15/09 Dr. Ray assists speaker/author R.C. Sproul, Jr. prepare to publicly debate an American university professor while in the United Kingdom.

7/9/09 Albany Herald newspaper of Albany, Georgia interviews Dr. Ray

7/23/09 Radio 940 AM of Norwalk, Iowa interviews Dr. Ray.

7/30/09 Dr. Ray serves as an expert witness in court case in Missouri.

Keep in mind that one study here and there does not, by itself, make for the effective production and dissemination of important research. Your ongoing financial support, encouraging words, and prayer keep us at NHERI alive and healthy, doing research and presenting it to the media, courts, legislators, and professors – and to skeptical grandparents, neighbors, and friends.

Please prayerfully consider a gift today. You can do it simply by one of the following methods:

If your one-time contribution is $20 or more, would like us to send you one of the following? If yes, which one?

yes ? no ? New Study full-length book – Homeschooling Across America: Academic Achievement and

Demographic Characteristics – expected release date January 2010

yes ? no ? Home Education Reason and Research – new full-color booklet summarizing research

If your one-time contribution or annual commitment is $120 or more and you would you like us to send you one of the following, please check which one (and if you are renewing, please request we send you something):

yes ? no ? Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling: Facts and Stats on the Benefits of Home School (ret. $10.99)

yes ? no ? New Study full-length book – see note just above

Total Enclosed $___________

First Name(s)

Last Name

Organization

Street Address

City State Zip Code

Home Phone Work Phone E-mail Address

Please make your tax-deductible contributions payable to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) NHERIand mail them with this form to:

[4] Research (definition): “studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws” (retrieved September 11, 2009 from http://www.merriam-webster.com).

Purcellville, VA—Recently, ACT published its results for 2009. On a scale of 1–36 homeschoolers scored an average of 22.5, which beat the national average of 21.1. “This is a remarkable achievement and shows that homeschool parents are successfully preparing their children for college,” said Michael Smith, president of HSLDA.

According to ACT officials, research shows that high achievement on the ACT strongly indicates a “greater likelihood of success in college.” Success on the ACT test also reveals that the courses taken by high school students to prepare for college have been effective.

A total of 1.48 million students took the ACT in 2009 which included 11,535 homeschoolers or just under 1 percent of the total.

The new ACT results also support the numerous studies which show that homeschoolers are out-performing their public school peers in K–12. The latest study from the National Home Education Research Institute shows that the average homeschooler scores 37 percentile points higher on standardized achievement test than the average public schooled student.

It has always been the position of homeschool advocates that the one-on-one instruction provided by dedicated parents is a more effective way to educate children. It’s also much cheaper.

The average public school spends US$10,000 per child per year whereas the average homeschooler spends US$500 per child per year. Homeschooling is also growing rapidly. The National Center for Education Statistics, part of the Federal Department of Education, estimates that homeschooling is growing at around 7% per year.

Due to the success and growth of the homeschool movement Washington Post education columnist Jay Mathews recently concluded that, “Homeschooling is the sleeping giant of the American education system.”

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a 26-year-old, 85,000 member non-profit organization and the preeminent national association advocating the legal right of parents to homeschool their children.

Keep up to date with us

Receive an email with our daily posts. No posts, no email for you!

For Updates on Craig’s brain cancer:

Updates on Craig’s health written by family
http://hef.org.nz/about-us/craig-smiths-health
and
Craig’s diary: Diary of a Brain Tumour
http://hef.org.nz/about-us/craig-smiths-health/craigs-diary/
Youtube videos: http://hef.org.nz/q-a-with-craig/

Bank account details

A number of people have asked for the Smith's bank account details to be put up on this website to make it easier to give a donation to cover medical costs:
CS BE Smith
020 727 0838357 00 BNZ
Thank you for your donations

zHealth

Post earthquake schooling options

The Home Education Foundation has been serving Christian and secular home educators all over New Zealand since 1986 through national conferences, a quarterly journal, a bi-monthly newsletter, various … [Read More...]